Have We not made for him a pair of eyes, a tongue, and a pair of lips? And shown him the two highways? But he has made no haste on the path that is steep. And what will explain to you the path that is steep? (It is) freeing the bondman; or the giving of food in a day of privation to the orphans with claims of relationship, or to the indigent (down) in the dust. Then will he be of those who believe and enjoin patience, and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. Such are the Companions of the Right Hand. (90:8-18)
Zakat
Al-hamdu lillaah, the Zakat Committee (ZC) of the ISGH is continuing to do a most commendable job in bringing much-needed material relief to needy persons in the five ISGH zones. This is done with decreasing resources made available to service an increasing demand.
The ZC recently released figures covering the period July 2003 to April 2004, showing that it spent $46,269.00 for rent, $8, 698.00 for utilities, $45, 160.00 for food, and $4, 818.00 for bus passes. The ZC receives donations from all five ISGH zones, and its help is available to applicants from all five ISGH zones.
The chairman of the ZC is Dr. Fouad Fleyfel, the brother who has been serving as ZC chairman for 3 years now, and became a member of the ZC since he came to Houston in 1992. He graciously granted ISGH Newsletter an interview to ‘get the word out' regarding ZC operations.
Dr. Fouad emphasized, “Our main focus is to help Houstonians, first and foremost. We prioritize zakat applicants. For instance, a single mother with 4, 5, 6, 7 children has a higher priority than a single man. The amount of money depends on the particular situation.” And 9/11 events did not change this focus of the ZC viz. helping Muslims of Houston.
According to the chairman, “In the past we had a lot more funding with much less people, which means the dollar amount per person was higher than right now… We went from $100 - $120 per person to about $60-$70, simply due to funding and the increased number of applicants. …The number of recipients has grown, has doubled since the mid '90's. On a busy Friday we would have maybe about 30 applicants in the mid ‘90's; today, on what we call an easy day we have about 50-55. And during Ramadan we get around 110 – 120 per week.”
The chairman explained that applicants are helped with rent money (“a check is written to the apartment management, not to any individual”), food (by food coupons issued), utility bills, and bus passes (“a lot of young men come to us looking for jobs and they need transportation”). The ZC also runs a weekly food hamper program. “We manage food donations. Mashaa Allah, a lot of brothers, at any given Friday, we get a shipment of food – rice, dates, cereal, chicken, etc. – that we distribute.”
With respect to the Darul Arqam schools, the chairman explained, “We do help if parents approach us saying ‘We wish to send our children to Darul Arqam and we're having a hard time paying tuition.' We pay to Darul Arqam, not the parent.” But such requests have so far been only a “handful”. “Whoever comes to us never gets turned down, especially if it's for education.”
How much confidential information has to be divulged to the ZC to be eligible for help? Dr. Fouad said, “We investigate, but we don't get too personal. I would absolutely appreciate letters from imams recommending needy people.”
He said, “We don't pay doctors' bills, dentists, hospital bills, medication because these could easily get out of hand. We would love to, but we don't have permitting funds.”
On the question of helping refugees, Dr. Fouad mentioned, “Statistics gathered over the past 4-5 years, and published in annual reports, show that a large %-age of zakat applicants are refugees, specifically those from various parts of Africa, Bosnia, etc.”
Asked how the ZC plans to expand its operations, the chairman said, “Plans of expansion are in terms of going out and visiting more people so as to be able to service more deserving applicants. There are just as much, if not more, who don't come to us because they are ashamed. We are looking for concerned brothers and sisters telling us that so-and-so is in need, so that we may then reach out to those individuals.” So far, this accounts for about only 2% of weekly awards.
The ZC is presently making a weekly award of between $2,500 to $3,000. The chairman has once again thrown out his appeal to the generous public, “Please help us so that we could help our needy brothers and sisters.”
ISGH Zakaat Committee presently consists of Dr. Fouad Fleyfel, Br. Hasan Ali Tulbah and Br. Taher Asafi. and Dr. Iqbal Vaid ( ISGH General Manager).
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Medical
Houston Shifa Services Center
In 1997 ISGH started to operate a Social Services Center by offering medical services and computer literacy classes, in a small 100 SF space partitioned out of an ISGH prayer room at Savoy Shopping Center on Wilcrest Alhamdolillah, the Center is now an established institution and is offering a variety of services to the community members regardless of their ethnicity, color or creed.
With the community involvement and support, insha-Allah, the center will continue to grow and expand its services to provide essential support not only to our own community members but also to the humanity at large. However, during the last year ISGH Majlis Al-Shura became concerned about the medical liability issue relating to the operations of the free medical clinic at the Center. The Majlis Al-Shura therefore decided to disassociate itself from the Center, administratively. The Center is now operating as an independent corporation, under the name of Houston Shifa Services Corporation.
At the present time the Center continues to provide the following services to the community.
Free Health Care
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Medical consultations & exams: Saturdays 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
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Vaccinations: Flue Vaccinations are offered on seasonal basis.
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Laboratory Tests: Blood Lipid Profile, Diabetes and High Blood Pressure Screening are offered on periodic basis.
Subsidized Medical Care
This program offers basic medical care to self-employed persons, overseas visitors and small business owners and their employees. Program participants are entitled to doctor's office visit and basic laboratory tests for common ailments thus preventing exacerbation of symptoms that may end up in situations requiring much expensive intensive treatment. Enrollment costs are $ 75 per person per quarter.
Dental and Eye Care
The center provides:
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Dental examination and care
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Dental X-rays
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Teeth scaling and removal of heavy tartar buildup.
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Free eye exam including Refraction and corrective lens prescriptions, retinoscopy and fundoscopy for early detection of Glaucoma, Diabetes, Hypertension, Cataract and malignancy.
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Referrals for advanced treatment.
Educational Services
The Center provides computer literacy and training programs for common computer software. These programs enable participant to gain additional qualifications and provide them chances to compete for promotions and better employment opportunities.
Legal Services
Volunteer Muslim attorneys provide free legal consultations. The initial consultation is free and completely confidential. The service helps those who otherwise may never consult an attorney to confirm their legal rights and may unnecessarily continue to suffer injustice.
Center for Senior Citizens
A place to meet, socialize and care for each other. Senior members of the community may become active to utilize their expertise in providing community service and family support for others.
Monetary value of Services
(during year 2001)
Healthcare Benefits 257,000
Flu Shots 8,000
Screening Tests 80,000
Legal Services 23,000
Vocatinal Training 58,800
Financial Aid 2,200
TOTAL $ 429,000
What can you do?
Allah SWT has chosen Muslims as the Best Nation Selected for Mankind. Join the team and share the satisfaction of fulfilling your destiny. Commit your time and resources to help those who need help. Use your expertise to provide leadership, donate generously to create a proud heritage and serve as a role model.
Seek the pleasure of Allah SWT so that He SWT may continue to reward you for this Sadaqah Jariah, even after you will be no longer able to do anything else for your own benefit.
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Funeral
ISGH provides funeral services for all Muslims living in Houston.
Director of ISGH Funeral Services: (To be announced)
Director's tel. #'s: 713-822-1091(mobile);
Funeral home location: 11815 Adel Road, Houston, TX 77067 (get map)
Cemetery (Forest Lawn Cemetery location: 8701 Almeda Genoa, Houston, TX 77025 (get map)
Cemetery telephone #: 713-991-2313; 713-649-1006.
Facilities for a new funeral home are being established at the cemetery site.
Muslims now have the option to bury with or without a casket.
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